§ 2.45 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT BUCKMASTERMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in view of the fact that local authorities, in spite of subsidies from the rates and the Exchequer, have been compelled, and are still being compelled, to make substantial increases in their rents, they will, as a temporary measure, allow other property owners to make appropriate increases in order that it may be possible for them to keep their properties in a habitable state.]
§ LORD KERSHAWMy Lord, the matter raised by the noble Viscount has been engaging the attention of the Government for some time and will be dealt with in the comprehensive survey of the Rent Restrictions Acts which will be undertaken as soon as time permits. I may 230 add, however, that there is no prospect of early legislation being possible.
LORD ROCHDALEMy Lords, arising out of the noble Lord's reply, I should like to ask whether His Majesty's Government have in mind any interim measure which would prevent property from becoming uninhabitable because the owner was unable to repair it on an economic basis.
§ LORD KERSHAWMy Lords, I cannot give the noble Lord any specific answer, except to say that representations have been made on many occasions to deal with that particular matter, and it will be dealt with in the comprehensive survey.
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, it has come to my knowledge that many quite poor people have put all their savings into house property and are now compelled out of very inadequate means to keep those properties in repair. May I ask whether, in such circumstances, the Assistance Board will be allowed to come to their help in order to keep those properties in repair?
§ LORD KERSHAWMy Lords, the suggestion of the noble Lord is, of course, too novel for a reply at this moment, but it will be within the noble Lord's knowledge that, where houses were restricted before September, 1939, in some cases there has been an allowance of up to 40 per cent., and in some cases 48 per cent., for the purpose of repairs.
THE MARQUESS OF ABERDEEN AND TEMAIRMy Lords, would the noble Lord be prepared to represent to the Secretary of State for Scotland that Scotland should have better treatment than England in this connection?
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, would the noble Lord be prepared to consider cases that I may be able to submit to him from my voluminous correspondence on this subject?
§ LORD KERSHAWMy Lords, without giving any promise at this stage I shall be glad if the noble Lord will send to me any particular case which he has in mind.